Heart Valve Problems

The heart has four main valves (aortic valve, tricuspid valve, pulmonary valve, and mitral valve) that funnel blood through the heart. Each valve has flaps (called leaflets) that open and close roughly once every second, allowing blood to flow only in the direction it’s supposed to go.

Some people are born with a defect in one of the heart’s four valves. Other people develop problems later in life, after infection, a heart attack, or another disease has damaged a valve. Sometimes valves become too stiff, and do not open fully. Called stenosis, these narrowed valves do not allow enough blood to get through, which strains the heart. Other times valves become leaky, not fully closing and allowing blood to flow backward.

“I had my life saved here.”

Beatrice Sankey was back on her feet the same day her valve was repaired.

Heart Valve Basics

The heart’s four main valves (mitral, tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonary) allow blood to flow only in one direction through the heart.

Stiff valves don’t open fully, restricting the flow of blood.

Leaky valves do not close completely, allowing blood to flow backward where it doesn’t belong.

Symptoms

Shortness of breath

Lightheadedness and fainting

Water retention, especially with swelling in the lower body

Chest discomfort

Advanced Treatments

Minimally-invasive surgery can repair valves without surgically separating the breast bone or stopping the heart.

How We Can Help

Not all valve problems require treatment right away. Surgical treatment is indicated when heart function begins to deteriorate, with signs of heart failure including significantly reduced pumping capacity and enlargement of the heart. In these cases, valve surgery can help. During valve surgery, a physician may do any of the following:

Trim excess tissue from valve flaps to help them seal tightly

Add a ringlike collar at the base (annulus) of the valve for support and stabilization

Enhance the cordlike connections of the valve to the heart

Replace the heart valve entirely

In many cases, our surgical team performs these procedures using the most advanced minimally-invasive options. By making tiny incisions between the ribs or just under the breast bone, our surgical team can spare the sternum and sometimes also operating which the heart is still beating. Learn more about advanced minimally invasive valve surgery.

Related Information

Why Choose Us

At Lourdes Cardiovascular Institute, we specialize in the most advanced minimally invasive techniques. By using tiny incisions between the ribs, in the leg or just under the breast bone, our experienced surgeons are able to repair valves without separating your breast bone or stopping the heart. End result: a swifter recovery. In some cases, patients are home within 24 hours.

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We care about you, and we want you to be able to live life to the fullest. Our experienced medical staff are happy to answer your questions and help you find the care you need.